“Over thirty years, Agrofert grew from a small trading company with four employees into an international company. It employs 31,000 people in more than 250 companies in 15 countries,” reads the introduction letter to employees.

But the most important message is at the end of the document – there is an announcement that people will receive amazing prizes in January.

“As an expression of respect and gratitude for your work, you will receive an extraordinary reward in your salary for December 2022 for all the years you have worked for the company in question.”

So the money will come or have already been paid in January this year, when presidential elections are held and when the head of the ANO movement Andrej Babiš will face General Petr Pavlo in the second round.

Holding Agrofert, which is owned by the trust fund Andrej Babiš, confirmed the authenticity of the letter to Seznam Zpravám. But he denied that the extraordinary gift had anything to do with the election.

“Extraordinary bonuses are a common tool in group companies, they have a motivational or stabilizing character. The extraordinary award is related to the 30th anniversary of the Agrofert concern which falls this January, so it is paid in January. This is definitely not related to the presidential election,” said Agrofert spokesman Pavel Heřmanský in a statement.

Seznam Reports asked what financial amount the prize paid and when was the last time Agrofert added up the overall money in this way. The company does not answer these questions.

A letter is available from the Message List:

“This is a loyalty award for 30 years of the company Agrofert (founded on 25 January 1993), which is paid by the respective companies concerned to their employees for time working in a particular company, regardless of when the company became part of Agrofert’s concern. Because his birthday is in January 2023, the prize is December salary paid during January 2023,” added the spokesperson for Agrofert.

Agrofert pays extraordinary prizes not only at companies in the Czech Republic, but also in Slovakia, Germany, Hungary and the Netherlands.

Agrofert’s memorial and significance was also mentioned this week by Castle candidate and head of the ANO movement Andrej Babiš.

“Agrofert employs 40,000 families directly and tens of thousands more indirectly. Agrofert is a pillar of the Czech economy and I am happy that January 25 will celebrate 30 years, when we started with four employees,” Babiš said during a presidential duel for the daily. lightning.

Holding Agrofert brings together nearly 200 companies. It operates in the chemical, agricultural and food industries. In addition, he also owns a forestry company, operating businesses in the technology and land engineering, logistics, transportation and media segments.

Until February 2017, Agrofert was owned by Andrej Babiš, due to the Conflict of Interest Act, he placed his shares in the trust fund. by country Beneficial owner records however, he is the real owner of the holding, he still controls it too according to European Commission audit.